Harney: Wexford woman's tragic death must not be repeated

Tánaiste Mary Harney today insisted the state had to ensure there was no repeat of the tragic death of a bed-ridden woman days after being found in a severely malnourished state in her daughter’s home.

Evelyn Joel, who was in her late 50s and believed to have been confined to bed as a result of arthritis and another condition, was admitted to Wexford General Hospital on New Year’s Day.

She died six days later, weighing less than four stone.

The Tánaiste claimed there had been huge failings leading to the woman’s death.

“It is absolutely tragic to read the reports of Evelyn Joel’s death. Words cannot describe how one would feel in relation to the matter and I think we obviously have to be sympathetic in relation to everyone’s concerns here,” she said.

“But above all else the state has to ensure that where possible we have vigorous processes in place to make sure that something like this could not happen again.”

Ms Harney said no blame should be apportioned until an inquiry had examined all the facts.

“I think we have to respect the fact that this is not a matter for political dispute. I don’t think that has anything to do with this situation,” the Tánaiste said.

“I think we need to await the outcome of an inquiry before we make a decision as to what went wrong and who is to blame, and clearly there are huge failings.”

The Health Services Executive (HSE) launched an independent inquiry into the death last night. Gardaí are also investigating.

It is not clear, however, whether Mrs Joel was known to public health officials.

Mrs Joel was found in appalling conditions in a bedroom at her daughter’s home in Enniscorthy after an ambulance was called by a concerned third party. She was in a seriously malnourished and dehydrated state when she was admitted to hospital.

The HSE will look into the services available to the woman and whether she was being given the care she needed.

Gardaí are investigating whether the woman, whose funeral took place in the town at the foot of Vinegar Hill on Tuesday, was the victim of neglect.

The county coroner requested the State Pathologist’s office carry out a post-mortem exam at Waterford General Hospital. Gardaí said the results of the post mortem would not be released.